AMES, Ia. — Even after suffering a heartbreaking loss to Iowa on Dec. 5, Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly knew better days were in store for his team. That's why after the game, Fennelly made sure he emphasized an important message to his team.

Iowa State's time was coming. There would be better days.

Fennelly was right.

Iowa State improved to 13-2 on the season and 3-0 in Big 12 Conference play with a dominant 92-54 victory over Texas Christian at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday night. It was the seventh-straight victory for the Cyclones, who haven't lost since that night in Iowa City.

"Obviously you're disappointed when you lose, but I knew there was some stuff inside of them that was good," Fennelly said of the loss to the Hawkeyes.

The Cyclones are proving that. Iowa State's 3-0 start in league play is the first since the 2014-15 season. And there was barely any doubt for the Cyclones who delivered the largest margin of victory in the series Wednesday night.

The only real trouble for Iowa State was a sluggish first quarter marred by missed shots and turnovers. Then the Cyclones started rolling.

A layup by Meredith Burkhall got things going in the second. Then the Cyclones rattled off four-straight baskets, including a 3-pointer by Ashley Joens to put them up 29-11.

An 18-2 run in the quarter helped Iowa State pull away for good.

Things were rolling so well that star Bridget Carleton checked out with six minutes remaining in the quarter and Iowa State in front 79-49.

"I don't know if it just takes us a little bit to get used to the game, but we're working on really putting four quarters together and coach keeps stressing that first quarter and how our first quarter needs to be like our second quarter," said Cyclones guard Alexa Middleton.

Carleton finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Freshman Ashley Joens tied a career-high with 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. The Cyclones also received 12 points from Kristin Scott and 10 from both Burkhall and Middleton.

But the biggest difference maker was rebounding, where the Cyclones held a 57-24 edge over the Horned Frogs.

"Tonight was a great win for us," Middleton said. "Everyone contributed."

Things get tougher on Saturday when the Cyclones host No. 11 Texas in at Hilton Coliseum. But Wednesday's dominant showing may have been the perfect preparation for the Cyclones, who are now riding high.

"I think that was great for us moving into the next game," Middleton said.